Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 6 September 2021

Published: Mon, 09/06/21

Monday, 6 September 2021

"Returning from the territory of Tyre, he went by way of Sidon towards the Lake of Galilee, right through the Decapolis territory."

~ Mark 7:31 ~

Mark 7:31-37

It seems that Jesus was on a road trip. He travelled from place to place, spending time with his disciples and taking time with the people in each place, preaching, teaching, and healing. In this case, the healing of the deaf man.

We also know that Jesus was attempting to instruct his disciples during this time, but their time was limited due to the masses of people who wanted to see Jesus and be in his presence. Perhaps, part of this road trip that he was making, was to find a quiet place to spend with his disciples. A place away from the crowds and the everyday demands. A place where they could focus and listen and contemplate and meditate. A retreat.

There are many times for us too that the busyness of life overwhelms us. Like Jesus and his disciples, we look for places to escape. Just as for Jesus and his disciples, this is not always possible. We are expected to just carry on going, keep producing, keep being present even if we are feeling depleted. Is it possible that we are missing out on lessons, miss hearing God's message, and become drained during these times? Jesus had an intention and mission to instruct his disciples, yet he continued to minister to the people. He put his needs aside for the sake of others.

It is important to find places of solitude, places to recharge, places to listen for the messages that God has for us. Even in the busiest of moments, we should make time to just be. It is in the moments that we pause, that we breathe deeply, that we can find clarity and meaning and purpose. It is not possible for our lives to come to a standstill every day, but these small moments of retreat can bring us a sense of peace and enable us to continue with our activities more effectively.

Perhaps Jesus had an idea in mind of how and where he wanted to instruct his disciples but he had to find alternative ways to do this. His instruction, perhaps, came through in his teaching and healing of the people. The miracles he performed were used as teaching tools, not only for the people but also for his disciples and also for us today.

Why not look closely at where and how you can find places of solitude and teaching moments in your life?

Dear God,

In our busy lives,

when we cry out for peace

and want to retreat from the world,

be with us and help us

find the good and the benefits

of having to just carry on.

Help us to use as many moments

as possible to teach, help, love

and share your message

on our everyday road trips

through life.

Amen.

Reflection prepared by Gillian Hugo

8-Day Retreat

Residential Retreat @
St Ignatius House, Auckland Park

DATE: 1-9 October 2021 (Starting 5pm on 1 October, and ending 4pm on 9 October

Book now - limited places available retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za
Cost R7500 (Partial Bursaries are available)

The Jesuit Institute is offering an 8-day silent residential retreat in October. The venue is our recently refurbished "Retreat in the City" in Auckland Park. There are six private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Beautiful gardens and peaceful chapel overlooking Johannesburg is a perfect place to find rest and restore your soul.

There are as many reasons to take this retreat as there are people who attend it. Some seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ; to spend quality time in prayer and reflection; to learn more about one’s self in relationship to God and to others; preparing to make a significant life decision in response to the movement of the Spirit. Why would you like to come?

8-day retreat

Online @ home

1-9 October 2021

Cost: R2200

The Jesuit Institute will be offering an online 8-day retreat that you participate in from your home. Take the time out of, and away from, your usual routine, just as you would on a residential retreat.

For this “Retreat @home for eight days,” you will need to

Clear your calendar as you normally would for a retreat
Make your home space as free from distractions as possible
Meet with a spiritual director every day online
Pray for several substantial sessions a day as you would on a residential retreat
Connect online for a short evening prayer liturgy with others making the retreat

We will help you with suggestions on how to do this. God works in all things. Make use of this opportunity to reconnect with God while getting the rest your body, mind and soul needs.

For more information or to book, please contact Margaret Backwell

retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za